White-tailed Deer

Stages of Antler Development

Have you ever wondered about the stages of antler growth? How long does it take for a buck to form hardened antlers? The following photos illustrate antler growth for 1 buck from 26 March 1999 through 15 September 1999. While this particular buck is in the Kerr Wildlife Management Area Deer Pen Research Facility, its antler development is representative of whitetails throughout the Texas Hill Country.